The Kentucky Derby is not just a horse race; it's a celebration of tradition, style, and the finer things in life. One of the quintessential elements of this iconic event is the Mint Julep, a refreshing bourbon-based cocktail that perfectly complements the excitement of the race. To take your Derby experience to the next level, consider pairing your Mint Julep with a premium cigar. Let's explore some of the best cigars to enhance the flavors of your bourbon and mint concoction.

Key Takeaways for Your Derby Day Pairing

• - The Mint Julep Profile: A heavy-pour bourbon cocktail with high sugar (simple syrup) and cooling mint requires cigars with creamy or spicy profiles to cut through the sweetness.
• - The Shared Experience: For Derby parties, premium bundles from brands like Drew Estate or Rocky Patel offer handcrafted quality at a fraction of the single-stick price.
• - Pro Tip: Choose a "Perfecto" or "Short Story" vitola for the early races to ensure you don’t miss the "Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports."

Cigar Place Top Cigar Picks for the Kentucky Derby

Oliva Serie O Cigars

Oliva Serie O Details:

• Wrapper: Sun-grown Habano
• Binder: Nicaraguan
• Filler: Nicaraguan

The Sun-grown Habano wrapper contributes to the Serie O's character, providing a slightly spicy and peppery profile with underlying notes of cedar and coffee. This makes it an excellent choice to pair with the bold and flavorful nature of a Mint Julep. SHOP NOW

Montecristo White Series Cigars

Pairing the Montecristo White Series with the bourbon in your Mint Julep at the Kentucky Derby can offer a sophisticated and enjoyable experience. The Montecristo White Series is known for its smooth and creamy profile, making it a potentially excellent complement to the sweetness of bourbon and the freshness of mint in your cocktail.

Montecristo White Series Details:

• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade
• Binder: Nicaraguan
• Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan

The Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper of the Montecristo White Series imparts a mild to medium-bodied smoke with a focus on creamy, buttery, and slightly sweet flavors. SHOP NOW

Gran Habano Connecticut #1 Cigars

Pairing the Gran Habano Connecticut #1 pairing can be an interesting combination, especially given the Connecticut wrapper's typically milder and smoother profile. The Gran Habano Connecticut #1 is known for its mild to medium-bodied smoke with a Connecticut leaf wrapper, making it a potential match for the sweet and refreshing qualities of the Mint Julep.

Gran Habano Connecticut #1 Details:

• Wrapper: Connecticut Shade
• Binder: Nicaraguan
• Filler: Nicaraguan

Connecticut Shade wrappers are known for their slightly sweet and creamy notes. This can enhance the Mint Julep's sweetness, creating a harmonious pairing that doesn't overwhelm the palate. Nicaraguan Binder and Filler: The Nicaraguan binder and filler can contribute a bit of complexity to the smoke, introducing subtle spice and earthy undertones. These elements can add depth to the pairing, complementing the bourbon's flavors. SHOP NOW

Camacho Ecuador Cigars

Pairing the Camacho Ecuador cigars with the bourbon in your Mint Julep at the Kentucky Derby can offer a robust and flavorful experience. The Camacho Ecuador is known for its full-bodied profile and features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper that adds complexity to the smoke.

Camacho Ecuador Cigar Details:

• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
• Binder: Brazilian Mata Fina
• Filler: Dominican Republic, Honduras

The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper contributes to the Camacho Ecuador's bold and spicy character. Its peppery notes and earthy undertones can complement the sweetness of the Mint Julep and the rich flavors of the bourbon. Its full-bodied strength, providing a robust smoking experience. This strength can stand up to the strong and sweet qualities of the bourbon, creating a balanced and flavorful pairing. SHOP NOW

The "Sprint" Selection: Top Quick Smokes for Derby Day

To ensure your guests don’t miss a single second of the "Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," you need cigars that deliver premium complexity in a compressed timeframe. These "Quick Smokes" (typically 20–30 minutes) are the secret to a successful Derby party—allowing for a full flavor experience during the preamble without the commitment of a 90-minute Toro.

ACID Blondie (by Drew Estate) SHOP NOW

For a festive, high-energy atmosphere like the Derby, the Blondie is a crowd favorite. Its sweetened cap and botanical infusion mirror the sugar and mint of a Julep.

• Master Blender: Drew Estate Team
• Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate (Nicaragua)

• Technical Specifications:
  • Wrapper: Connecticut Shade
  • Size: 4 x 38 (Petit Corona)

Smoker’s Notes: "The honey and herb notes are a natural bridge to a Mint Julep. It’s the 'party cigar' of the infield.

Oliva Serie G Special G (The Pocket-Sized Powerhouse) SHOP NOW

This 3.75 x 48 Perfecto is the ultimate Derby companion. It features a genuine African Cameroon wrapper that provides a natural, toasty sweetness—perfect for balancing the fresh mint in your Julep.

• Master Blender: Gilberto Oliva Sr. (Legacy Blend)
• Factory: Tabacalera Oliva S.A. (Nicaragua)
• Technical Specifications:
  • Wrapper: African Cameroon
  • Binder/Filler: Nicaraguan

Staff Pick: “The tapered foot makes lighting a breeze even in a breezy outdoor setting. Expect a quick 20-minute burst of cedar, nuts, and baking spice.”

Arturo Fuente Maduro Cubanitos (The Dark Horse) SHOP NOW

If you missed out on the Exquisitos, the Cubanitos are their Maduro cousins and currently in stock. These 4.25 x 32 cigarillos use the same high-grade Dominican tobacco found in the Gran Reserva line but are wrapped in a sweet, oily Connecticut Broadleaf.

• Master Blender: Carlos Fuente Jr.
• Factory: Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia (Dominican Republic)
• Technical Specifications:
  • Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
  • Binder/Filler: Dominican

Smoker’s Notes: “The Broadleaf sweetness matches the simple syrup in a Julep perfectly. It’s a 15-minute smoke that punches way above its weight class in terms of rich cocoa and leather notes.”

Oliva Serie V Melanio Petit Corona (The Premium Sprinter) SHOP NOW

For those who want a 96-rated blend in a 25-minute format. This is a "power" smoke that can stand up to high-proof, barrel-strength bourbons without being overwhelmed by the alcohol.

• Master Blender: Oliva Blending Team
• Factory: Tabacalera Oliva S.A. (Nicaragua)
• Technical Specifications:
  • Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra
  • Binder/Filler: Nicaraguan (Jalapa Ligero)

Smoker’s Notes: “Don’t let the size fool you. This is a medium-full experience with intense notes of black pepper, espresso, and sourdough toast.”

Q: Is it okay to buy cigar bundles for a special event?

A: Absolutely. Modern bundles like Drew Estate Factory Smokes are handmade by the same rollers who make premium Liga Privada. They are the best way to ensure everyone at your party has a quality smoke without overspending. SHOP ALL CIGAR BUNDLES (Includes Free Shipping)

The Master’s Recipe: Crafting the Authentic Mint Julip

Mint Julip Recipe

The Mint Julep is a classic Southern cocktail, particularly associated with the Kentucky Derby. Here's a simple recipe for a refreshing Mint Julep:

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 ounces (75 ml) bourbon
• 1/2 ounce (15 ml) simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Fresh mint leaves
• Crushed ice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mint:
   • Take several fresh mint leaves (around 8-10) and place them in the bottom of a glass or silver julep cup.
2. Muddle the Mint:
   • Gently muddle the mint leaves to release their oils. Be careful not to over-muddle, as it can make the drink bitter.
3. Add Simple Syrup:
   • Pour the simple syrup over the mint leaves. Simple syrup is made by combining equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves. Allow it to cool before using.
4. Add Bourbon:
   • Pour the bourbon over the mint and simple syrup. Use a good-quality bourbon for the best flavor.
5. Fill with Crushed Ice:
   • Fill the glass or julep cup with crushed ice. This not only chills the drink but also dilutes it slightly for a smoother taste.
6. Stir:
   • Stir the ingredients well to combine and chill the mixture.
7. Garnish:
   • Garnish the Mint Julep with a fresh sprig of mint. Slap the mint against your hand before placing it in the drink to release its aromatic oils.
8. Serve:
   • Serve the Mint Julep immediately while it's frosty and refreshing.
9. Optional: Silver Julep Cup
   • Traditionally, Mint Juleps are served in silver or pewter cups. If available, use one to enhance the presentation and keep the drink extra cold.

Elevate your Kentucky Derby experience by indulging in the perfect harmony of a Mint Julep and a premium cigar. Savor the tradition, style, and sophistication that come with the combination of fine bourbon, refreshing mint, and a carefully selected cigar as you celebrate the Run for the Roses in true Derby fashion.

Attending the Kentucky Derby in person? Here is a guide to smoking cigars at Churchill Downs during the Derby.

Smoking cigars at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby is allowed in specific areas, but there are important restrictions to be aware of—especially due to large crowds and tighter regulations during major events like the Derby.

Here's where you can typically smoke cigars:

Designated Smoking Areas

• Churchill Downs provides designated outdoor smoking areas, and cigars are permitted there.
• These are usually located:
  • - Near outdoor patios
  • - On some concourse levels
  • - In specific outdoor sections of premium or private seating areas

Private Suites & Some Premium Seating

• Luxury suites, The Mansion, or certain turf clubs often allow cigar smoking on their private balconies or outdoor terraces. If you're in one of these, it’s best to confirm with suite staff or your host.

❌ Where cigar smoking is NOT allowed:

• - Indoor areas (grandstands, betting areas, bars, etc.)
• - Seating bowls or general admission stands
• - Covered concourses (especially with heavy foot traffic)
• - Anywhere with "No Smoking" signage (they enforce this pretty tightly during the Derby)

Pro Tips:

• - Bring a cigar case and cutter, but leave your torch lighter at home—only soft flame lighters (like matches or Bics) are allowed due to fire code.
• - Ask staff about nearby smoking areas if you're unsure—ushers are usually helpful.

Thank you for visiting our online cigar shop! At Cigar Place, our mission is to offer the best prices, discounts, and deals on cigars, humidifiers, lighters, cutters, gifts, and other cigar accessories. Browse one of the largest selections of premium cigar brands and samplers online.

Want Free Shipping Any Day of the Week at Cigar Place? We have many options for you! Buy a cigar sampler, and get free shipping on your entire order. Buy a five-pack of cigars (or pick any 5 single cigars) and get free shipping. The same goes for bundle purchases, new arrivals, and, of course, any item with a "Free Shipping" banner on the picture. Click here to see all the ways you can get free shipping every day. Free cigar shipping for USA deliveries only.

Do you fancy yourself as a connoisseur of fine cigars? Are you wondering what type of tobacco and drink pairings are best suited to enhance your cigar-smoking experience? This guide will provide all the insights needed to explore different cigar and beverage combinations that will tantalize your taste buds.

What drinks pair best with cigars?

Pairing drinks with cigars, rum, cognac, and bourbon is always the best bet. Opting for dark rum creates an ideal balance between the cigar's inherent sweetness and the rum's smoky finish.

Moreover, vintage cognac offers a distinct aroma that gradually unfolds as one smokes their cigar while avoiding complexity that can overwhelm the combination. As for bourbon, its copper hue brings out subtle notes of vanilla and caramel in full-bodied cigars that are divine when paired together. Read more about the best cigars to pair with your bourbon.

Why do cigars and whiskey go together?

Many aficionados of cigars and whiskey recognize the flavors they share when enjoyed together, which is why their combination has endured for generations. Cigars are naturally prone to certain notes such as leather, nuts, and spices - all of which can be found in many full-bodied whiskeys.

This similarity in flavor profile provides an excellent basis for pairing these two entities together. Whether one prefers a single malt or a rye whisky, pairing a cigar with a beverage providing similarly robust notes allows for an experience unlike any other. There is something truly special about enjoying an expertly paired cigar and whiskey that few other combinations can replicate. Read more about the best cigars to pair with your Irish Whiskey.

We like the Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro cigar with our whiskey:

Do cigars pair well with wine?

The combination of smoke and tannins creates complexities in taste that can be truly extraordinary. Savoring a great cigar matched with its ideal vintage can lead to a memorable and satisfying experience for any connoisseur.

- For white wines we recommend Mild or Mild-Medium-Bodied cigars. For Mild to Medium strength cigars, try our Newbie sampler.

- For red wines we recommend Medium to Full-Bodied cigars. For Medium-Full cigars, try out Next Level Sampler.

Do cigars pair with champagne?

Yes! Cigar and Champagne pairings are an exquisite combination, with the dry yet fruity notes of a fine Champagne perfectly complementing the smoky, earthy tones of a good cigar. While not all cigars go well with Champagne, many experts have found that mild-to-medium-strength cigars are particularly suited to this pairing.

Appreciating a cigar and a complimentary glass of Champagne may even be considered one of life's great indulgences for those interested in engaging their palate with more refined tastes.

Do cigars pair with coffee and tea?

Yes, this combination is optimal for those who prefer mild coffee to start the day. If robust flavors of coffee appeal, opt for a spicy cigar or one with strong undertones of pepper or nutmeg.

To further enhance the flavors of each, creamy cigars are complemented best by adding a hint of cream and sweet cigars with a bit of sugar. Read more about the best cigars to pair with your coffee.

Tea is an excellent alternative to coffee and provides an altogether different experience for various occasions. Whether enjoyed straight or with added flavors, black tea offers a distinctively tart taste that brightens heavier blends wonderfully. Light-bodied cigars, green tea, and milder oolong teas bring out their floral and sweet characteristics.

Rules for pairing cigars and drinks

- Cigar sommeliers know the importance of properly matched full-bodied and light-bodied cigars to drinks and beverages. In particular, Christian Schroff, cigar connoisseur, shares his advice on achieving balanced aroma perception - pair the dry, earthy cigars with the dry spirits and the light-bodied cigars with lighter spirits for optimum flavor.

- Choose a cigar and drink that pair well together. Generally, the body of each should be balanced. For instance, a light-bodied cigar would pair better with a light beer than a full-bodied red wine.

- Balance flavors by considering aroma, strength, and body when pairing cigars and drinks. For example, a fuller-bodied cigar with more complexity should be paired with a drink with similar properties, such as a single malt scotch or dark rum.

The concept of aligning aromatic intensity between drink and cigar is important, as neither should stand out too much from one another or be overpowered. Considering this pairing suggestion, patrons can enjoy a superior tasting experience rooted in a sophisticated balance between taste and aroma.

All in All

Now that you know the basics of cigar pairing, experiment with different combinations and find what you like best. Be sure to pay attention to both the cigars you're smoking and the drinks you're enjoying them with. And don't forget, have fun! Cigars are meant to be enjoyed, so kick back, relax, and enjoy finding your perfect smoke.

Thank you for visiting our online cigar shop! At Cigar Place, our mission is to offer the best prices, discounts, and deals on cigars, humidifiers, lighters, cutters, gifts, and other cigar accessories. Browse one of the largest selections of premium cigar brands and samplers online.

Want Free Shipping Any Day of the Week at Cigar Place? We have many options for you! Buy a cigar sampler, and get free shipping on your entire order. Buy a five-pack of cigars (or pick any 5 single cigars) and get free shipping. The same goes for bundle purchases, new arrivals, and, of course, any item with a "Free Shipping" banner on the picture. Click here to see all the ways you can get free shipping every day. Free cigar shipping for USA deliveries only.

For many people, waking up is synonymous with grabbing a fresh cup of coffee. For some, this is followed by the desire for a good cigar. When you walk into a cigar lounge or shop, it isn't uncommon to find coffee available as well.

According to research, nearly 65% of all Americans prefer to drink coffee during breakfast hours. This is also a great time to light up a cigar. If you're someone who enjoys lighting a cigar while drinking a cup of coffee, you should pick a cigar that is complimentary.

Here is a list of cigars that pair sublimely with coffee:

Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto - 2016 #8 Cigar of the Year

Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto cigars are the crowning achievement of the Oliva Cigar Company. Five years in the making, this 5" x 52 high-end Nicaraguan masterpiece is lovingly crafted by a select handful of some of the best torcedors the world has to offer, using aged ligero filler and binder tobacco from Nicaragua and a gorgeous Ecuadorian sun-grown wrapper. Ultra-refined, yet powerful and pleasurable. Melanio is a true showcase of the world-class blending expertise at Oliva Cigars.

Seamlessly rolled, dark brown, and gorgeous, Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto cigars are expertly constructed with an easy draw. The first light gives off billows of blue smoke, slathering the palate with a massive dose of ligero spice. The earthy introduction soon turns sweet as hints of coffee and dark chocolate become apparent, and the spice further intensifies. The finish is heavy and smooth, draping the taste buds with kisses of nutmeg and cocoa. Deeply powerful, yet incomparably smooth.

SHOP NOW

Coffee Country Tour Du Jour Cigar Sampler

Introducing the Coffee Country Tour Du Jour Cigar Sampler, a delightful collection designed specifically for coffee enthusiasts. In this Meet Your Maker (MYM) 10-cigar sampler, we've curated a selection of the finest coffee-flavored cigars that cater to your love for both coffee and premium tobacco.

Crafted by renowned manufacturers, the sampler features standout blends from the Isla del Sol and Tabak Especial lines by the esteemed Drew Estate team. Additionally, the innovative Nub Nuance entries from the Oliva Cigar Company add a unique touch to this exceptional assortment. While three of the cigars bear the Rocky Patel Java label, it's important to note that they are expertly crafted by the infused cigar maestros at Drew Estate under contract for Rocky Patel.

A standout in the collection is the Java Mint, an exquisite blend that combines the rich flavors of a York Peppermint Patty with the essence of your favorite coffee beverage.

The Coffee Country Tour Du Jour Cigar Sampler includes the following cigars:

1. Isla del Sol Toro
2. Isla del Sol Maduro Robusto
3. Nub Nuance Single Roast 460
4. Nub Nuance Double Roast 354
5. Nub Nuance Triple Roast 460
6. Nub Nuance Double Roast 354
7. Nub Nuance Triple Roast 460
8. Rocky Patel Java Latte Toro
   
9. Rocky Patel Java Maduro Toro
   
10. Rocky Patel Java Mint Toro
    
11. Tabak Especial Toro Dulce
    
12. Tabak Especial Toro Negra
    

Indulge in the perfect fusion of coffee and cigars with this meticulously curated sampler, offering a journey through the rich and flavorful world of coffee-infused premium cigars.
SHOP NOW

Macanudo Bourbon In Your Coffee Cigar Sampler

Everyone knows bourbon and coffee go great with cigars, but what happens when bourbon and coffee are IN your cigars? Well, we here at Cigar Place are always looking for ways to bring the newest and hottest treats to our beloved customers, and this time we have put together one heck of an innovative sampler. Let's face it; some people love flavored cigars; some hate them. In the cigar world, it's a fact of life. But these sticks here aren't your run-of-the-mill soupy and goopy cheapies. Quite the contrary as here we have some of the most elegantly built infused cigars on the market: M by Macanudo and M Bourbon by Macanudo, the first flavored cigars offered by the legendary Dominican-based cigar powerhouse. Even if you are sternly anti-flavor when it comes to cigars, these babies just might change your mind.

On the one side, we have M by Macanudo, a delectable coffee-infused treat made for the serious connoisseur that loves to enjoy a steamy cup o' Joe alongside a precision-rolled premium cigar. The other component of this lovely sampler is M Bourbon, which takes everything that was great and celebrated about the original M and replaces the coffee flavor with rich, boozy bourbon. Both offerings reside on the medium-bodied side and are easy choices for cigar snobs of all experience levels. After lighting up, feel free to grab the drink of your choice if you wish, but after a few puffs, it's easy to realize that with either of these incredible blends, your coffee and bourbon are already mixed in!

SHOP NOW

M by Macanudo Espresso With Cream

The M by Macanudo Espresso with Cream is a flavor-infused cigar that masterfully blends rich espresso and smooth cream notes with a high-quality Nicaraguan filler, Philippine binder, and a striking Indonesian barber pole wrapper. Medium-bodied and visually appealing, it delivers a smooth draw and a consistent burn. Smokers can expect creamy sweetness up front, followed by notes of espresso, cedar, leather, and a touch of cocoa as it develops.

Ideal for both new and seasoned smokers, this cigar pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or even a dark ale, enhancing its warm, dessert-like profile. Whether you're seeking a morning smoke or an after-dinner indulgence, the M by Macanudo Espresso with Cream offers a flavorful, aromatic experience without overwhelming the palate.
SHOP NOW

Don Pepin Garcia Original Invictos

Are you a fan of Don Pepin, the great cigarmaker? Also known as José Garcia, he referred to this line as the 'Blue Label'. Don Pepin's is a brand that debuted back in the year 2003. Back then, the wrapper was Ecuadoran. But now it's a Corojo Oscuro from Nicaragua.

From first light, the smoker is greeted by the infamous "Pepin Pepper," a blast of intense spice across the entire palate. The smoke settles into a full-bodied array of nutty and spicy flavors with heavy pepper and sweetness on the finish. There is also a richness that is reminiscent of cocoa, which is why this cigar pairs perfectly with coffee.

SHOP NOW

Alec Bradley Magic Toast Toro

With the kind of name this cigar has, you could end up thinking that it tastes like toast. This cigar was in no way inspired by bread. It was a night spent in a field of tobacco that inspired Alan Rubin, the owner of this brand.
There is also a lot of tobacco that is Honduran as well. You'll also find leaves from Nicaragua in this cigar. They are present in the binder as well as the filler. A light and lovely scent of vanilla sugar cookie drifts from the foot like an assistant to the strong mineral aroma the 6" X 52 barrel exudes as it sits confidently beneath the intricate gold and purple band, waiting for the full reveal. Unlit, these wondrous cigars present a mouth-watering appeal impossible to deny, but applying a steady flame is where the wizardry begins. Along with the pleasant combination of spice, oak, and vanilla. This helps it pair well with coffee of all kinds.

SHOP NOW

New World Connecticut Robusto

Do you enjoy coffee that is imbued with flavors of fruit? If you do, then you're very likely to enjoy this cigar as well. This is a cigar from A.J. Fernandez, a cigar maker from Nicaragua. The wrapper of this cigar is a Connecticut shade, grown in the US.

A lot of smokers dismiss the Connecticut shade leaf due to its mild body, but if they are looking past New World Connecticut, they are doing their palate a disservice. The true beauty of this cigar is the fact that the creamy nature of the wrapper leaf plays off the spicier filler tobacco perfectly and gives an amazing complexity to this smoke. While this may feature the traditional mild body one would expect from a Connecticut wrapped stogie, it still remains extremely flavorful.

They are grown beneath mesh netting. This helps to filter the Sun's rays. As a result, the cigar has a light and delicate taste. The initial taste of this cigar is fruity. After that, you can enjoy a combination of lemon peel, leather, and cedar.

SHOP NOW

Montecristo White Court Tubo

The Montecristo White Montecristo Court Tubo is an epic cigar you'll wish you had tried sooner. Created by a brand that sits at the highest of heights when it comes to tobacco and handmade in the Dominican Republic by skilled torcedors who have perfected the art of the roll, these elegant vitolas are masterpieces of smooth, rich flavor. Beneath the stark white double bands emblazoned with gold markings, you'll find a flawless Ecuadoran Connecticut wrapped like a warm blanket atop a Nicaraguan binder that expertly contains the premium Dominican and Nicaraguan longleaf filler at the core.

The smoke emanating from this cigar looks attractive, almost as if it won't be strong enough to pair with your coffee. However, this 5 and a 1/2 inches cigar comes with a ring gauge of 44. The corona of this cigar takes about the same time to finish as it would for you to finish your coffee.

SHOP NOW

Rocky Patel Java Maduro Cigars

If you've ever experienced the magic that comes from pairing a fine cigar with a hot mug of coffee or a few pieces of high quality dark chocolate, or even better all three together, then you know why we're so excited about the Rocky Patel Java Maduro. If you are one of those unlucky few who haven't experienced the complimentary flavors of these three luxuries, now is the time to get amped up about the Rocky Patel Java Maduro. A tag-team effort between Patel's company and the flavor wizards at Drew Estate, the cigar contains a blend of marvelous Nicaraguan filler and binder beneath a Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper all of which has soaked up the aroma and flavor of Mocha Java espresso and fine cocoa.

SHOP NOW

Shop All Rocky Java Flavored Cigars:

• Rocky Patel Java Latte
• Rocky Patel Java Maduro
• Rocky Patel Java Mint
• Rocky Patel Java Red

Tabak Especial Cigars

While there are plenty of coffee-flavored cigars on today's market, one continues to stand head and shoulders above the rest: Tabak Especial Cigar. Made at the world famous La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate in Nicaragua under the supervision of none other than the master of flavored cigars himself, Jonathan Drew, Tabak Especial is set apart from the rest in that the tobacco isn't simply flavored, but infused. Drew is best known for his flavor infusion process, mainly made popular by his ACID brand, and in this case he has made a dream come true for coffee-loving cigar smokers worldwide.

SHOP NOW

From the Macanudo Bourbon in your coffee cigar to the New World Connecticut Robusto, this list of cigars pairs perfectly well with coffee.

Cigar Strength Pairing Guide

Thank you for visiting our online cigar shop!

It is our mission to provide you with the best prices, discounts and deals for cigars, humidifiers, lighters, cutters, gifts and other cigar accessories. Shop and browse one of the largest collections of premium cigar brands and samplers.

Cigar Pairing with Beer

Spend any time around cigar fanatics or lurking on stogie-related internet forums and the discussion will inevitably turn to favorite beverage pairings. Tradition dictates that heated debate over the merits of whiskey vs. coffee will start 1.4 seconds after the question is raised until cooler heads prevail and agree that whiskey in the coffee is a good compromise. There will be some confusion over whether pairing with wine is ever possible, plain or sparkling water will make a surprisingly strong showing, Dr. Pepper will be mentioned, and then there will be that one guy who insists that milk is the best smoking accompaniment ever and you won’t be quite sure if he’s pulling your leg or not.

With all these choices, however, comes the additional task of trying to figure out which type of cigar pairs best with what drink. Does Bourbon go better with Nicaraguan or Dominican cigars? Should I smoke a Maduro when I drink black coffee and a shade-grown when I add cream? Is a Habano wrapper the best choice if I am drinking rum and cola or should I light up a spicy Cameroon? What if I only have milk in the fridge and a Candela in my humidor, is the world about to end?

It comes as no shock that some pairings just don’t work. There’s a previous review of mine where a bitter, hoppy pale ale so conflicted with the cigar’s profile it nearly derailed the whole thing. That was not an isolated event, either. With the explosion of craft breweries and the near-overwhelming variety of ales and lagers to choose from, I have had to be more careful when pairing a fine handmade with beer. Such is why I found the Perdomo Craft series so intriguing. Please correct me if I am wrong, but I can’t recall any other cigar being blended for a specific beverage, and here we have three styles made specifically to go with my favorite, yet most difficult to pair with, sudsy beverage.

I was wary at the same time, however. If you read Perdomo’s ad copy for each of the cigars, it seems as though the main criteria for pairing is choosing beer that is the closest in color to the cigar. A light-colored beer like lagers and Belgian Witbier go with the shade-covered Pilsner, the ruddy Amber cigar is best for darker Märzens and IPAs, while the Maduro-coated Stout is recommended for, well, stouts. It smacks of a gimmick. Then, while noticing a Perdomo Stout resting happily in my humidor and wondering what to do with it, I happened across a 9.6% ABV imperial chocolate stout from Foothills Brewing at my local growler filling station. It was then that I decided for the sake of science and the enlightenment of you wise readers, the time had come to test Nick Perdomo’s claim.

The cigar itself presents all the hallmarks of quality for which Perdomo is well known. Solidly constructed and carrying the scent of leather and fine tobacco, the cold draw offers the promise of a nice draw and tastes of baker’s cocoa powder, which contrasts perfectly with the exploratory sip of the viscous, dark, and rather sweet liquid in my goblet. Lighting easily, I take slow pulls off the stick to gauge the profile before taking another taste of the ale. My first impression is of a tart sourness which worries me at first, but I’m pleased to report this very soon turns into a delicious sourdough toast flavor on exhale. There’s also a wealth of oak, earth, and black pepper, but none of the sweetness commonly ascribed to Maduros. I take this as a good sign. With the beer as syrupy as it is, I am going to need something to keep my palate from becoming overwhelmed.

Time for another drink to see if the Perdomo Stout can compete with such a potent elixir. Wow! OK, so the rich sweetness of the beer is masked by the toastiness of the smoke, turning the chocolate from mild to dark. Almost like a 70% cocoa candy bar. This is exciting. After the quaff, a few more mouthfuls of creamy smoke reveal… hints of vanilla! There’s also some graham cracker goodness that fades slowly on the tongue. Sip…Puff… Sip… Puff… The base malt is starting to shine through from behind the more bitter toasted barley that was used to create the wickedly black color of the beer. The cigar is tempering the sweetness of the beer, while the stout is bringing out the sweetness originally missing from the stogies profile. I am impressed.

I get caught up in the moment, and it seems a long while before the ash reaches an inch, but when it finally does, it is a little precarious, so I tap it off. The strength is a solid medium, and I don’t think the high gravity of the beer is causing me to underestimate it. The profile seems to have settled in, not amazingly complex or ever-changing, but that is good. A lot is going on with the beer, and I do not want a competition, just a steady companion. The burn is somewhat rugged, but I’m blaming a small tear in the wrapper. I will give it a chance to correct before breaking out the lighter.

This pairing seriously works, and it makes me want to smoke and drink, so I’m making the second pour into the glass at the start of the second third of the Perdomo. My insulated stainless growler has kept the ale at draught temperature, which is nice and cool but not so cold that it masks the flavor. Instead, I’m now picking up the distinctive taste of dark cherry in both beer and cigars. How fortuitous since I was beginning to think the profile was finished evolving. As you will notice, the burn does straighten out without my assistance, so add that to the list of positives.

Not much to report for the rest of the delicious experience other than finding another tear in the Perdomo that I think may affect the burning again. I keep my main humidor at 65% humidity, and I think this might be too dry for this particular style. Also, the wrapper does seem thin. The burn does get a bit wonky but works itself out again. As I approach the nub, the robust stout helps fight some late-stage bitterness in the cigar and extends my smoking time by at least 30 minutes. This extra time allows for a nice buzz to develop.

Final verdict: This is a match I would not hesitate to recommend. It was easily one of the most complimentary pairings I have ever found, and that’s saying a lot because smoking and drinking are one of my favorite pastimes. However, I’m skeptical that the Perdomo Stout would be a good fit with the more common Irish stouts like Guinness. However, it’s a fine Maduro regardless of what you are drinking, so feel free to experiment and let me know.

Thank you for visiting our online cigar shop!

It is our mission to provide you with the best prices, discounts and deals for cigars, humidifiers, lighters, cutters, gifts and other cigar accessories. Shop and browse one of the largest collections of premium cigar brands and samplers.